While many people associate Neputa festivals with Hirosaki, Kuroishi and Hirakawa also boast their own unique and distinctive Neputa festivals. This article will introduce the differences, charms, and timing of the Hirosaki, Kuroishi, and Hirakawa Neputa festivals...
The origin of the 33 Kannon pilgrimage in Yamagata Prefecture is said to be the "Mogami 33 Kannon Pilgrimage," which began during the Muromachi period. This pilgrimage, which is said to have started about 580 years ago, continues...
Yamagata Prefecture has long been blessed by the Mogami River. However, nature, while providing blessings, also brings unavoidable disasters. In Yamagata Prefecture, along the Mogami River basin...
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What is Aizu Higan Shishi? Aizu Higan Shishi is a type of lion dance (sanbiki shishimai) widely distributed in eastern Japan, primarily in the Kanto region, consisting of three solo performers working together...
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What is Kasedori? Kasedori is a folk event held annually on February 11th in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture. Originally a "visitation ceremony for the New Year's deity," it was held during the Little New Year (although there are various theories, it is generally considered to be from January 14th to 1...).
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The Hote Matsuri (Sailor Festival) is a fire prevention ritual held annually on March 10th at Shiogama Shrine in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture. Due to the vigorous movement of the portable shrine, it is considered one of Japan's "Three Great Wild Portable Shrines"...
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Located in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture, bordering Aomori and Iwate prefectures, Ohirumemuchi Shrine is located in the Hachimantai district of Kazuno City. Every year on January 2nd, the shrine is dedicated to the important intangible cultural properties designated by the national government and UNESCO...
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Located in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture, bordering Aomori and Iwate prefectures, Ohirumemuchi Shrine is located in the Hachimantai district of Kazuno City. Every year on January 2nd, the shrine is dedicated to the important intangible cultural properties designated by the national government and UNESCO...
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Kamakura is an event unique to Akita Prefecture. There are several reasons why it's called Kamakura, but they're not entirely clear. Kamakura was once a small festival held throughout Akita Prefecture...
For a long time, Yokote Kamakura has been held on fixed dates for two days, February 15th and 16th, but from 2026 it will be held over two days, the second Friday of February and the following Saturday.
